BY ORDER OF THE SHAH

to the East might also be criticized. "To his own people
a diplomat is a man of honour who sips the wine of truth
whilst lying abroad for his country. I had the pleasure
to hear your excellent Sir P. ask how the Shadow of the
Almighty has been privileged to remain the Disposer of
Good. That is because it has delighted Riza Shah to be
moderate. The strongest cannot gain too sweeping a
victory or he loses the prey upon which he feeds."

Members of the ex-royal family are allowed to live in
Iran without let or hindrance, more or less in retirement,
taking little part in the activities of the country. Not
that intervention on their part would carry much weight.
Arguments upon one proposal or another invariably return
to the same statement* It is by order of the Shah.

We asked Rumi about the imposing titles beloved of
all Iranians.

"Our society has always been distinguished by elaborate
address/' he said. "The more magnificent and the higher
born the individual, the longer and more intricate the
approach. You have heard me use some of the titles of
the Most Lofty of Living Men. Lesser known ones were
the Source of Honour, of Glory; Equal to the Sun, a Brother
of the Moon and of the Stars, whose Throne is the Stirrup
of Heaven; Agent of Heaven in this World; Object of the
Vows of all Mortal Men." He paused for breath. "Chief
of the Most Excellent Seat of the Universe; Sitting in
the Seat of the First Temporal Power; the Prince of the
Faithful; Born and Sprung from the Throne which is the
Only Throne on Earth; First Noble of the Most Ancient
Nobility; Centre of the Universe. There are many more.
Enough?"

As the D.P. and ourself could boast but one rank apiece,
and ours was lowly, we assured Rumi that we had enjoyed
a bellyful, but he was wound up.

"The present Emperor of All Corporeal Beings has the
special title of 'da ha^rat^ of saintly significance. It has

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